06 February, 2006

Russ Vaughan has written an excellent essay, elaborating on his powerful poem that was inspired by the Toles cartoon so many found so offensive. In it he links to another poem of his that I had never seen before, though it was widely distributed. The last line brings tears to my eyes.

To my beloved sheepdogs for whom caring for the sheep is your calling: I never forget to whom I owe the opportunity to live the quiet life of the sheep that I am. You inspire my undying love and gratitude...

The SheepdogsRuss Vaughn

Most humans truly are like sheepWanting nothing more than peace to keep

To graze, grow fat and raise their young,Sweet taste of clover on the tongue.

Their lives serene upon Life's farm,They sense no threat nor fear no harm.

On verdant meadows, they forage freeWith naught to fear, with naught to flee.

They pay their sheepdogs little heedFor there is no threat; there is no need.

To the flock, sheepdog's are mysteries,Roaming watchful round the peripheries.

These fang-toothed creatures bark, they roarWith the fetid reek of the carnivore,

Too like the wolf of legends told,To be amongst our docile fold.

Who needs sheepdogs? What good are they?" They have no use, not in this day.

Lock them away, out of our sightWe have no need of their fierce might.

But sudden in their midst a beastHas come to kill, has come to feast

The wolves attack; they give no warningUpon that calm September morning

They slash and kill with frenzied gleeTheir passive helpless enemy

Who had no clue the wolves were thereFar roaming from their Eastern lair.

Then from the carnage, from the rout,Comes the cry, "Turn the sheepdogs out!"